Arguing with warranty claim - deal with dealer or BMW direct?

[drbru]

Ok so my car is currently in my local dealership having some repairs carried out due to water ingress. I know water/weather seals are not covered under BMW extended warranty however....I have accumulated loads of evidence which illustrates that this is a widespread problem concerning mulitple BMW ranges for both old and new car so in my mind its a clear manufacturing fault of some sort and there really should have been some form of recall on BMWs part

I fully expect my delearship to give me a call to advise that the warranty claim has been rejected so here is my question:

1) Do I argue directly with the delearship over payment and the warranty claim to see where we get to ( I have a good relationship with this dealer currently)
2) Do I just pay the dealer directly so that I can get my car back and then complain directly to BMW centrally to get the funds back

Even prior to the car going in, I told them I would be fighting for a warranty claim so they know some form of argument is going to come unless they can get the warratny work authorised themselves

What you think?

[Flying Ace]

all of the above. Calling BMW directly should be your last alternative.